Jackie says Yes. As more Scots who voted No to independence reconsider
their decision, we follow their journey to Yes and self-determination
for Scotland. Jackie Kemp is a writer living in Edinburgh and recent
author of 'Politics on the Hill, an Edinburgh View', a stunning essay
reflecting on Scotland's changing post-Brexit identity that has
resonated with people across the poltical spectrum. Jackie campaigned
against independence in 2014 alongside long-serving Scottish Labour
politician Tam Dalyell who himself described devolution as "a motorway
without exit to a Scottish state". Jackie reflects on her disillusion
with the UK's current constitutional settlement (England has left us)
and how Brexit has altered her view of independence which she now sees
as vital to maintaining Scotland and Edinburgh's ancient links with
Europe.

Monday, 20 March 2017

Mark says Yes. We follow different people's fascinating journeys to Yes and self-determination for Scotland. Londoner and businessman Mark followed Scotland's first independence debate closely and had been inspired by the Yes campaign with its progressive and inclusive values. After the Brexit result, Mark was impressed by Scotland's pro-EU vote and the Scottish Government's handling of events. In November 2016 Mark sold his London home and moved with business and family to set-up in Scotland and join the Yes campaign. Mark reflects on the UK Government's handling of Brexit and Scotland's huge potential as an enlightened, open and independent nation.

Elizabeth says Yes. As more Scots who voted No to independence reconsider their decision, we follow their journey to Yes and self-determination for Scotland. Scotland is a small business nation. There are around 350,000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Scotland, providing an estimated 1.2 million jobs. Elizabeth owns a cosmetics business that depends on exports and the EU single market. Her decision to vote no was guided by fears that Scotland might not gain membership of the EU. The election of a Conservative majority in the 2015 made Elizabeth begin to reflect on her vote. Originally from Alabama, Elizabeth's childhood experiences of segregation instilled a deep distrust of divisive politics. Brexit and rise of increasingly right-wing Tory party caused Elizabeth to reject UK politics and fully rethink her position on independence. Brexit now represents a real and present threat to Elizabeth's business and the workers she supports. Elizabeth explains the barriers to trade that hard Brexit will bring including loss of access to vital EU single market and customs union at the hands of a UK Conservative Govt that does not understand the scale and complexity of Brexit. Scotland is now in a unique position to escape the economic damage Elizabeth believes will diminish the UK economy and can build a new and extraordinary independent nation.

Eighth in a series.

NB David Cameron resigned in 2016 and not 2014 as shown. This error will be updated in future.

If you'd like to share your journey to Yes - get in touch @ phantompower2014@gmail.com.

Erin says Yes. As more Scots who voted No to independence reconsider their decision, we follow their journey to Yes and self-determination for Scotland. Unlike UK General Elections and Brexit, 16 and 17 year olds were empowered with a vote in the Scottish independence referendum. Erin was 13 at the time and was still too young to participate but would have voted No. Erin found herself caught up in the post-indyref fightback and became an active member of the SNP Youth movement. She represents a new generation of politically aware young activists who demand greater representation in Scottish politics. Erin talks about aspects of youth vote in Scotland, opportunities, barriers and how vital it is that young people engage in decisions that will shape their own future. Erin will be 16 this September and is voting Yes at the next independence referendum.

Seventh in a series.

If you'd like to share your journey to Yes - get in touch @ phantompower2014@gmail.com.

Christopher says Yes. As more Scots who voted No to independence reconsider their decision, we follow their journey to Yes and self-determination for Scotland. Christopher Graham leads Yes Bikers, a group of motorbike riders who support pro-independence events in Scotland and now Europe. Christopher voted No based on the mainstream media and now feels he did not have all the information needed to make an informed choice. It was a decision Christopher almost instantly regretted and the further betrayal of promises on more powers validated. Scotland now faces a choice between Tory Britain or a journey to self-determination and a more open progressive Scotland.

Tom says Yes. As more Scots who voted No to independence reconsider their decision, we follow their journey to Yes and self-determination for Scotland. Tom Morton is a broadcaster, writer and journalist based in Shetland. For Tom, Scottish independence is a question of moral authority and whether the Scottish people are best served by self-governance. The collapse of Labour, Brexit and the prospect of eternal Tory reign in the UK has transformed the political situation. The independence movement's claims for self-determination now has a clear moral and reasoned case but it will take time to build a strategic campaign because the next indyref must be won.

Fifth in a series.

If you'd like to share your journey to Yes - get in touch @ phantompower2014@gmail.com.